7 Natural Ways Older Adults Can Boost Their Energy Levels

By Dian Brannen, 9:00 am on July 28, 2017

Trying to control energy levels with caffeine and sugar negatively affects a senior’s body because these substances can have a lasting impact on the organs. Seniors who want to boost and maintain their energy levels throughout the day should consider these seven natural tips and tricks.

1. Eat Foods with a Low Glycemic Index

When seniors consume foods with a low glycemic index, it will take their bodies quite some time to process all of the sugars. Instead of getting a rush of energy, they could aim for a constant supply of energy for many hours to come. Some of the best foods for long-term energy include whole grains, nuts, high-fiber vegetables, and healthy oils.

With the help of professional at-home care, seniors can boost their energy levels and enjoy a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Allentown senior care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

2. Control Stress

When a person is stressed, the human body produces a hormone known as cortisol. This powerful chemical is healthy in small doses, but the body isn’t designed to produce and process cortisol for long stretches of time. Controlling stress levels limits the amount of cortisol in the bloodstream and prevents crashes later in the day.

3. Stop Sleeping In

Hitting the snooze every morning can leave seniors feeling more tired than usual. Sleeping in too much disrupts the natural sleep cycle. Even if seniors feel particularly tired one morning, they shouldn’t sleep in for more than a few minutes.

4. Go for a Quick Walk

Most seniors know exercising will increase their energy levels, but they don’t need to hit the gym for an hour or longer. A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that walking for just 10 minutes can boost a person’s cognitive abilities for up to two hours. Doing a few chores around the house might be all seniors need to get out of an energy slump.

Seniors sometimes need assistance with daily chores. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Allentown, PA, respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.

5. Laugh

When a person starts laughing, his or her body is filled with different chemicals that provide energy. Laughing a few times a day also suppresses the production of cortisol, which can boost cardiovascular health over the years. Keeping a joke book in the living room or saving a few funny videos on the phone are two easy ways seniors can laugh when they start to feel tired.

6. Take a Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium deficiencies are common among seniors, and this mineral is needed for more than 300 biochemical processes in the human body. The easiest way seniors can see if they have a magnesium deficiency is to ask the doctor for a blood test. Having these tests carried out once every few months provides a more accurate look at diet and general health.

7. Drink a Cup of Cold Water

Lethargy is one of the most common symptoms of mild dehydration. Everyone has slightly different hydration needs, but the average senior should try to drink at least eight full glasses of water every day. They might also want to avoid alcoholic beverages and other diuretics if they are feeling tired.

Depleting energy levels are fairly common in the golden years, and they can lead to a number of health issues. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Allentown live-in home care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. Call Home Care Assistance at 484-350-3874 and hire a dedicated, compassionate, and highly professional caregiver for your loved one.

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